KYIV, July 17 - For the first time since the start of the full-scale war, businesses expects an increase in business activity in the next 12 months: the business activity expectations index in the second quarter rose to 104.5% from 91.2% in the first quarter, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) said.

"Against the backdrop of the restoration of the energy system, the gradual revival of domestic demand and the strengthening of the hryvnia, respondents expect an increase in the volume of production of goods and services, and are also positive about the development of their own enterprises. At the same time, inflation and exchange rate expectations have improved," the NBU said in a press release.